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Sharon BOF sends rejected school budget back to voters unchanged
Alec Linden
Jun 24, 2026
Sharon Center School
File photo
SHARON – Following months of conflict between the Board of Finance, the Board of Education and concerned parents, Sharon residents will return to vote on the same budget proposal that was rejected in early May, with town officials opting to leave the proposal’s bottom line unchanged and instead set aside separate funding that the school could access if needed.
During its regular meeting on Tuesday, June 16, the BOF opted not to change the bottom line of the BOE’s operating budget for Sharon Center School, instead moving to establish a special fund of $35,000 to be drawn from the town’s undesignated account upon the school’s request. Voters will also be asked to approve the fund during the budget vote, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, June 29 at Town Hall, immediately preceded by a public hearing at 5 p.m., also at Town Hall.
The amount is just over half of the approximately $69,000 that the BOE was asked to remove from its budget draft in April to keep the bottom line flat from last year at $4,165,513. That action, which followed a multi-year trend of requests from the BOF for a 0% increase for the SCS budget, sparked outcry from concerned parents.
Speaking at the May 8 town meeting where the budget proposal was rejected, SCS parent Emily McGoldrick said that the school is poised to thrive, but that it “can’t improve with its hands tied behind its back.”
The BOF has repeatedly stated that its motivation is to correct an accounting error made several years ago that left the school with an “inflated” budget due to a state law known as the Minimum Budget Requirement, or MBR, that prevents municipalities from reducing education spending year to year. Several members have indicated that due to inflation and increased operating costs, this may be the last year it can ask for a flat budget, but the Board has remained steadfast in keeping the bottom line flat for 2026-27.
The BOF has stated on several occasions that its justification for requesting a zero-increase budget is that the BOE has finished the past five fiscal years with unspent budgeted funds. As of the June 16 meeting, SCS administrators calculated that the school would be left with $90,000 in surplus at the end of this year.
School advocates remained dissatisfied following Tuesday’s action by the BOF.
“At this point, I don’t understand what they want,” said Marlene Woodman, who identified herself as a senior resident concerned with the future success of the school. Several days after the meeting, she said she was still unclear on how the new fund would work, especially with the “paltry” amount, in her words.
School administrators were also initially skeptical. Region One Superintendent of Schools Melony Brady-Shanley hassuggested that the town establish a dedicated school line item in the municipal budget to help with operating and maintenance costs, reiterating at the June 16 meeting that the approach is “the most economical way to support both the education budget and municipal budget without touching the MBR.”
The proposal that was ultimately moved forward by the BOF differs by instead drawing the money from the town’s undesignated fund on a contingency basis rather than creating a designated line item.
“It’s an as-needed thing,” explained Hecht, noting that the approach does not impact either budget’s bottom line, “and it’s not going to go away.”
A few days after the meeting, Hecht said in order to access the funds, the school will have to demonstrate that the budget would not support a specific expense.
“This is just the way to not tax people in advance for funds that may not be needed,” he said of the fund, “but if they do need them, these funds are available.”
During Tuesday’s meeting, BOE Chair Philip O’Reilly said the idea of having to approach the BOF with a specific request to access the funds made him uncomfortable. “The ‘if-needed’ piece is something we’re both nervous about,” he said, gesturing towards Brady-Shanley.
“One hundred percent,” she affirmed with a nod.
Still, several days after the meeting O’Reilly said that the suggestion was a gesture of cooperation amongst what has been a contentious period for the town. “Nobody is a loser here,” he said; “Everybody got something, but not everything, that they originally wanted.
“I will do everything that I can do to ensure our school has everything it needs to meet the needs of all our kids.”
Delayed budget could impact town spending
At the same meeting, BOS’ proposed operating budget bottom line was reduced by approximately $30,000, partially due to cuts in line items for the recently hired Land Use Administrator and Fire Marshall and Building Inspector. The latter two, previously proposed as separate positions, were hired as a combined role the previous Friday.
If a new budget isn’t passed by July 1, both the town and school will operate under the current 2025-2026 plans. While that leaves the school budget flat, which is currently proposed, it could impact municipal spending which has several increases in the proposed 2026-2027 budget.
Town treasurer Tina Pitcher said that until a new budget is approved, road work isn’t being ordered, nor are new vehicles and town equipment, and employees, with the exception of the unionized road crew, won’t see their 3% cost of living raise. It will also impact the pay structure for new hires, such as Nikki Blass, who begins her role as the Land Use Administrator on July 1.
First Selectman Casey Flanagan said that he will proceed cautiously regarding any town spending until a new budget is approved.
During a June 9 meeting, the Board of Selectmen preemptively set the mill rate in response to a request from Tax Assessor Donna Christensen so that she can begin preparing real estate tax bills to be sent in July. For now, the mill rate has been set at the current amount of 11.15.
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Westerlind opens first outlet store in North Canaan amid expansion
Aly Morrissey
Jun 24, 2026
Shoppers enjoy lower prices at the new outlet in North Canaan.
Madi Long
NORTH CANAAN – Westerlind Outdoor, a retailer specializing in outdoor apparel, gear and technical fashion, has opened its doors to its newest venture – the company’s first-ever outlet store.
Located at 1 Railroad St. in North Canaan, the outlet offers shoppers access to past-season merchandise, unique finds and discounted items from a range of outdoor and lifestyle brands carried by the company. The opening marks the latest step in Westerlind’s recent expansion across the region.
The North Canaan location follows the opening of a new Westerlind boutique in Kent earlier this spring. In addition to the newest stores in Kent and North Canaan, the company – which first opened its doors on Main Street in Millerton – also operates in Great Barrington, Massachusetts; Hudson, New York; Litchfield, Connecticut; New York City; and Rhinebeck, New York.
Westerlind’s roots are in Millerton, where founder Andrea Westerlind opened the company’s original storefront. The Millerton location is also home to the Westerlind Pantry, a specialty food shop offering bread, pantry staples and other provisions.
Founded by the Swedish-born designer and entrepreneur, the companyhas built a reputation for blending outdoor performance gear with contemporary fashion. Its stores feature apparel, footwear and equipment from a curated selection of outdoor lifestyle brands, with an emphasis on craftsmanship, functionality and design.
The new outlet targets outdoor enthusiasts, travelers and shoppers looking for high-quality gear and clothing at reduced prices while expanding Westerlind’s presence in the Northwest Corner and neighboring Hudson Valley.
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Legal Notices - June 25, 2026
Lakeville Journal
Jun 24, 2026
Legal Notice
The Planning & Zoning Commission of the Town of Salisbury will hold a Public Hearing on Special Permit Application # 2026-0323 by George Johannesen (Allied Engineering Assoc. Inc.) for a detached apartment on a single-family residential lot at 62 Rocky Lane, Salisbury, Map 66, Lot 27 per Section 208 of the Salisbury Zoning Regulations. The owners of the property are Jeffrey Bravin, Naomi Bravin, Linda Williams, & Wesley Mill-er. The hearing will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026 at 6:45 PM. There is no physical location for this meeting. This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom where interested persons can listen to & speak on the matter. The application, agenda and meeting instructions will be listed at www.salisburyct.us/agendas/. The application materials will be listed at www.salisburyct.us/planning-zoning-meeting-documents/. Written comments may be submit-ted to the Land Use Office, Salisbury Town Hall, 27 Main Street, P.O. Box 548, Salisbury, CT or via email to landuse@salisburyct.us. Paper copies of the agenda, meeting instructions, and application materials may be reviewed Monday through Thursday be-tween the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM at the Land Use Office, Salisbury Town Hall, 27 Main Street, Salisbury CT.
Salisbury Planning & Zoning Commission Robert Riva, Secretary
06-25-26
Legal Notice
The Planning & Zoning Commission of the Town of Salisbury will hold a Public Hearing on Special Permit Application # 2026-0323 by George Johannesen (Allied Engineering Assoc. Inc.) for a detached apartment on a single-family residential lot at 62 Rocky Lane, Salisbury, Map 66, Lot 27 per Section 208 of the Salisbury Zoning Regulations. The owners of the property are Jeffrey Bravin, Naomi Bravin, Linda Williams, & Wesley Mill-er. The hearing will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026 at 6:45 PM. There is no physical location for this meeting. This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom where interested persons can listen to & speak on the matter. The application, agenda and meeting instructions will be listed at www.salisburyct.us/agendas/. The application materials will be listed at www.salisburyct .us/planning-zoning-meeting-documents/. Written comments may be submit-ted to the Land Use Office, Salisbury Town Hall, 27 Main Street, P.O. Box 548, Salisbury, CT or via email to landuse@salisburyct.us. Paper copies of the agenda, meeting instructions, and application materials may be reviewed Monday through Thursday be-tween the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM at the Land Use Office, Salisbury Town Hall, 27 Main Street, Salisbury CT.
Salisbury Planning & Zoning Commission Robert Riva, Secretary
06-25-26
07-02-26
LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF KENT
The first installment of the Real Estate, Personal Property, Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Supplemental tax for the Grand List of 2025 is due and payable July 1, 2026. The first installment of the Real Estate, Personal Property, Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Supplemental tax for the Grand List of 2025 will become delinquent on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. As soon as the tax becomes delinquent, it shall be subject to interest at the rate of 1.5% per month from July 1, 2026 until the same is paid. Bills may be viewed and paid online by going to the Tax Collector’s page on the Town of Kent website at www.townofkentct.gov. The Tax Collector’s office will be open from
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
There is a red drop box next to the front door of the Town Hall for payments.
Payments are also welcome through the mail at P. O. Box 311, Kent, Connecticut 06757.
Deborah Devaux CCMC Tax Collector
06-25-26
07-02-26
07-23-26
TAX COLLECTOR’S
NOTICE TOWN OF CANAAN
Pursuant to Sec. 12-145 of the Connecticut statutes, the undersigned Tax Collector of the Town of Canaan gives notice that she will be ready to receive Motor Vehicle taxes and the first installment of Real Estate & Personal Property taxes due July 1, 2026 at the Tax Collector’s office in the Canaan Town Hall, 108 Main St, Falls Village, CT on Monday’s 9am - 12pm. & Thursdays 8am-11am.
Payments must be received or postmarked by August 3, 2026 to avoid interest.
All taxes remaining unpaid after August 3, 2026 will be charged interest from July 1, 2026 at the rate of 1.5% for each month elapsing from the due date of the delinquent tax to the date of payment, with a minimum interest charge of $2.00. Sec. 12-146
Failure to receive a tax bill does not relieve the tax-payer of his/her responsibility for the payment of taxes or delinquent charges. Sec. 12-130
Rebecca M Juchert-Derungs,
Tax Collector, CCMC
06-25-26
07-02-26
07-23-26
Tax Collector
Town of Cornwall
The first installment of real estate, personal property as well as motor vehicle taxes on the Grand List of October 1, 2025 is due July 1, 2026. Payments must be post-marked by August 3, 2026 to avoid interest. Any tax bills not paid by August 3, 2026 will be considered delinquent, and interest will be charged at the rate of 1 1/2 % per month and fraction thereof (including July). This means that even if you pay on August 4th , you will be charged for two months interest. ** No additional bills will be mailed for second installments. Use the coupon provided in the July. CHANGE IN OFFICE HOURS: Taxes may be paid at the Tax Office on Mondays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and Wednesdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, or sent by mail, addressed to: Cornwall Tax Collector, P.O. Box 97, Cornwall, CT 06753. The easiest, most convenient, most economical and most reliable way to pay your taxes is by electronic check for a fee of $1.95. You may also pay your taxes online with a credit, debit card as well for a fee. Visit cornwallct.org/government/townoffices.
Rebecca Juchert-Derungs, CCMC Tax Collector
06-25-26
07-23-26
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Classifieds - June 25, 2026
Lakeville Journal
Jun 24, 2026
EMPLOYMENT
HELP WANTED
Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center is a year-round 120-person retreat facility that is located in Falls Village, CT. Want to work at a beautiful, peaceful location, with great people? This is the place to be!We are currently seeking positions for Seasonal Lifeguard(s), Cook, Retreat services associate (banquet server front of house) and Mashgichim (F/T or P/T) for our summer season. For more details please visit our website at Careers - Adamah or email a copy of your resume to rebecca.eisen@adamah.org
SERVICES OFFERED
Héctor Pacay Landscaping and Construction LLC: Fully insured. Renovation, decking, painting; interior exterior, mowing lawn, garden, stone wall, patio, tree work, clean gutters, mowing fields. 845-636-3212.Old Houses and Barns my specialty: Renovations and Re-pairs. 25 years serving the tri-state area. Licensed and Insured. Based in Canaan, CT. David Valyou 917-538-1617. davidvalyou@yahoo.com
MERCHANDISE & SERVICES
HORSES & EQUIPMENT
Looking for a small farm to board my 22 year old mare ideally located near trails. She gets along well with other horses. No drama. Available to help with feeding and or turnout if needed. 860-786-2546.
REAL ESTATE
PUBLISHER'S NOTICE: Equal Housing Opportunity. All real estate advertised in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1966 revised March 12, 1989 which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color religion, sex, handicap or familial status or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All residential property advertised in the State of Connecticut General Statutes 46a-64c which prohibit the making, printing or publish-ing or causing to be made, printed or published any notice, statement or advertisement with respect to the sale or:rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, physical or mental disability or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.
HOUSE FOR RENT
2 Bedroom House. Millerton, NY. Quiet. 4 miles from town.$2500 monthly, plus utilities. 518-567-8277.
TAG SALES
Massachusetts
Estate Sale. Rain or Shine. July 3, 4. 9-5. 1011 Crossroads to Canaan Valley Road New Marl-borough, MA 01259.
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Marilyn Josephine Kay
Lakeville Journal
Jun 23, 2026
MILLERTON — Marilyn Josephine Kay (Masterson), 93, whose life was characterized by a quiet strength, graceful and cheerful presence, enduring athleticism and an abiding community spirit, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A long-time resident of Millerton, New York with her late husband and local veterinarian Kent Kay, DVM, Marilyn spent her final years surrounded by the love and care of her Minnesota family.
Born Feb.19, 1933, in New York City, Marilyn was the youngest of four daughters. Raised by a single mother, Marilyn learned early on the values of independence and determination—traits that would define her entire life. She excelled academically and athletically, attending Hunter College and channeling her passion for movement into work as a physical education teacher.
Marilyn’s life took a beautiful turn when she married her husband, Kent Kay, DVM, a young man she had grown up with in New York City. Together, they made the bold choice to leave the city for a quieter life in upstate New York. Settling in the small town of Millerton, they built a vibrant, full life together, including a successful small town veterinary practice serving the surrounding dairy farms. Kent attended to the animals while Marilyn served as office manager and ran the business, all while balancing raising four sons. The boys worked in the clinic at an early age, growing up in a lively household surrounded by animals, both large (Sweetheart, a St. Bernard) and small (Charlie, a stray chihuahua), that became fast friends.
Marilyn also believed in showing up for her community. She and Kent were pillars of their historic local church, St. John in the Wilderness in Copake Falls, New York. Whether she was lending her voice to the choir, serving on the vestry, or helping with church operations, Marilyn’s faith was always paired with action.
A PE teacher at heart until the very end, Marilyn was happiest when she was moving. She shared her love of the water by teaching swimming and lifesaving. She was an accomplished skier, an avid walker in her later years, and a fierce, competitive tennis player who could still command a court in her 80s. Additionally, according to family lore, she was a champion napper and could catch a few winks when needed, anytime and anywhere, including the New York subway where she never missed her stop.
Marilyn was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Kent, and her son Timothy. She is survived by sons Christopher Kay of New York, New York, Eugene (Jane) Kay of Plymouth, Minnesota, and Clinton Kay of Boulder, Colorado; daughter-in-law Melanie Kay of Millerton, wife of her late son Timothy. Grandchildren include Emily, Jessie, Alexander, Alycia, Gabrielle and Genevieve Kay, and a great-grandson, Atlas.
Arrangements are being made by Peck & Peck, Copake, N.Y. A memorial service is planned for the fall in Copake Falls, N.Y. Memorials may be given to Church of St. John in the Wilderness, P.O. Box 180, Copake Falls, N.Y. 12517, or to the Animal Humane Society.
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Natacha (Nathalie) Kondratiev
Lakeville Journal
Jun 23, 2026
MILLBROOK — Natacha (Nathalie) Kondratiev was born on August 4 1960 in New York City. She grew up, with her five siblings, in Flushing, NY. Natacha went to school at the Lycée Français in New York City. She spent many summers in France with her family where she was able to indulge her love of horses daily, almost to the exclusion of all else. She loved horses from early childhood, and that love dominated her life until the very end.
Natacha went to NYU with the intention of studying for a degree in veterinary medicine but switched majors and received a BA in French. She continued her love for horses in her late teens by taking riding lessons from professionals at Waterfall Farm in Danbury, Connecticut. When Paul Okolowicz moved Waterfall Farm to North Mabbettsville Road in the Millbrook Hunt Country, Natacha followed him there, eventually becoming employed as groom and riding instructor.
When Waterfall Farm ceased operations after many years, Natacha’s reputation as a reliable and caring horsewoman was such that she had many offers to work in other Millbrook barns. She worked for Dr. David Hammond’s veterinary practice as a foal watcher as a supplement to her barn duties at the various stables in the area.
Natacha also gave her love to the beagles and bassets of the Sandanona Harehounds. She lived for many of her last years at the Thorndale kennels, feeding and looking after the fifty hounds that lived there two. She was quick to adopt old beagles from the pack, giving them a homeplace for the remainder of their days.
When not caring for horses and hounds, Natacha could be found immersed in the stories of fiction and fact that tantalized her curious mind. She was an avid reader and friends knew that a gift card at the local Merritt Book Shop was always welcome.
For the last decade of her life, Natacha was plagued with severe heart ailments and other health problems. She persevered with good humor and courage until her body could no longer keep her soul and spirit within. Natacha died in Vassar Hospital, with her siblings beside her, on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
A private burial service for the family was held at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Lithgow, Millbrook, NY, on June 24th, 2026.
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